Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France 🇫🇷
Overview
An exquisite 100% Chardonnay Champagne, sourced entirely from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. Blended with 40% reserve wines (kept in a perpetual solera) and aged for a minimum of 4 years before release, this cuvée embodies the refined elegance of Côte des Blancs terroir.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: intensely expressive, opening with citrus zest, dried fruits, and exotic floral notes, evolving into brioche, buttery pastry, and roasted almonds.
Palate: impeccably clean, with lemon, pear, and pastry cream balanced by a saline minerality and subtle spice, finishing long and refined.
Mouthfeel
Precise, vertical, and elegant. Fine bubbles and a creamy mousse glide across the palate, leading to a lingering, chalk-driven finish. Both delicate and powerful, a perfect Blanc de Blancs signature.
Winemaking & Style
Traditional méthode champenoise, with extended lees aging for added depth. The long élevage highlights terroir purity and finesse, creating a Champagne that is structured yet graceful.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with a sashimi platter, lobster thermidor, seared scallops, or oysters. Its mineral backbone also complements light cheeses and white truffle risotto.
Verdict
An elegant, harmonious Champagne that showcases the Rothschild legacy. A refined Brut with depth and purity, capable of satisfying casual enthusiasts and sophisticated palates alike. — 4 months ago
Black raspberries, plums, cumin, and black pepper. We’ll balanced. — 2 years ago
Vintage 2010 | gave it two hours in decanter, a barnyard stinky in smell (not everyone appreciates this, I do), cedar very present, hints of spices and a good concentration. When accompanied with food it is ready to drink now. Fine right bank wine, neighbour of Cheval Blanc (I take a special interest in neighbours of the priceless top domaines). — 7 months ago
I thought this was a great wine. Already showed some fresh cut garden hose characteristics! 13.5%. Classic! Big for a Riesling. Had this at a business function so could not write more notes. Wormwood Restaurant San Diego - is almost sold out. 2 bottles left and at 75$/Restaurant a steal these day’s. Get it while it is still there!!! What a wine. — 4 months ago
Lunch 🥪
K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 3 years ago
Kate
Wanted a red blend. French. Enjoyed. — 4 days ago